Two MPs have honoured more than a dozen local independent businesses in their constituencies.
Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell and Leigh Ingham, MP for Stafford, Eccleshall and the villages, both launched Small Business Awards this year.
Members of the public were encouraged to nominate their favourite independents, with winners announced in the run up to Small Business Saturday and tied in with events attended by Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation.
Gareth’s awards attracted nominations for more than 70 businesses, with almost 1,500 votes cast.
The winners were:
- Best Food Retailer – Foley Oatcakes and Hartshill Butchers
- Best Pub, Bar or Restaurant – The Greyhound
- Best Creative Business – HSL Pottery
- Best Service Business – Wards Property Management
- Best Florist – The Rose Bowl
- Best Sandwich Shop – Sam’s Kitchen
- Best Book Shop – Vellichor Books
- Best Community Café – The Café Fenton
- Special Commendation for Charity Work – Sizzlers Fast Food
- Special commendation for Community Work – Taylor’s Butchers.
Hundreds of residents nominated businesses in Stafford, Eccleshall and the villages, with a panel of business leaders selecting the winners, who were:
- Business of the Year – Swimwell
- Town Centre Business of the Year – Studio Fresh Craft Hub
- Best New Business – That Little Bookshop
- Best Independent Retail – Studio Fresh Craft Hub
- Best Café, Pub, Bar or Restaurant – Monk and Smuggler
- Best Beauty, Lifestyle, Leisure or Wellbeing Business – Swimwell
- Best Service Business – The Pooch Pad.
Gareth said: “Small businesses play a vital role in keeping high streets vibrant, creating jobs and driving the local economy.
“I was delighted to launch the first Stoke-on-Trent Central Small Business Awards and it was fantastic to see so many people voting for their favourite. The comments put to us about these businesses were really heartwarming and show what an asset these businesses are to the communities they serve.
“Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to everyone who nominated, voted and supported the awards.”
Leigh said: “This year’s winners show just how much talent, passion, and dedication we have across Stafford, Eccleshall, and the villages. The response from residents was incredible, with hundreds of nominations highlighting how much people value our local independents.
“A huge thank you to all the shortlisted businesses, everyone who took the time to nominate a business, and of course the incredible panel of business leaders who judged the awards.”
“Our independent businesses keep our high streets vibrant and play such a vital role in our local economy. I’m proud to celebrate them and will keep working to make sure they can thrive.”
